5. This end is known by the use in having and submission in asking.
[1.] The use in having, how we use a mercy when we have it, if we do indeed live to the glory of God, and the rather for these experiences.
[2.] Submission in asking, whether we fight or are crowned, work or receive our reward ; for God is the best judge of what is most for his own glory.
Use 2. Direction ; but of this see ver. 17.
I come now to the second point.
Doct. 2. That God's judgments are a great help and relief to his people, who desire to praise him, even when they are in danger of their lives.
Here I shall show — (1.) What are God's judgments; (2.) How they are a help.
First, What is the meaning of misplialim, judgments here ?
1. God governeth the world ; that is called judgment : Ps. ix. 7, 8, ' He hath prepared his throne for judgment, he shall judge the world in righteousness ; he shall minister judgment in uprightness.' So John v. 22. When the government is put into the hands of Christ, it is said, Tor the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.'
2. God governeth the world according to this word ; there is his judgment concerning things and persons, stating what is good and evil ; the reward of the one, and punishment of the other : Ps. xix. 9, ' The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.' The precept is the rule of our duty, the sanction of God's process. There- fore in scripture the punishments of the wicked are sometimes called judgments ; so also the rewards of the righteous, as ver. 43 of this psalm. The word pronounceth concerning every man's condition. His delivering of the righteous : Ps. lxxviii. 8, 9, ' Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven ; the Lord arose to judgment, to save the people of the earth.' The moderation of their affliction : Jer. x. 24, ' Correct me, but with judgment ; ' that is, his merciful judg- ment, according to the new covenant dispensations. Punishment of sins, that they are judgments we are sufficiently convinced of and sensible of it. Well, then, he prayeth that that of the word may be executed either — (1.) By breaking his enemies, and giving them the merit of their doings ; or, (2.) That his promises may be accomplished by sending him help and relief in his troubles.
3. This government La to be observed, for it confirmeth the word : Heb. ii. 2. ' For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and even- transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how .shall we escape if we neglect?' &c; and he punisheth them 'as the congregation have heard.' Carnal men attribute all to chance, but God's people observe his word.
VER. 176.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. „ . 299
Secondly, Now these judgments must needs be for a help to God's people, because the word of God speaketh more good to them than it doth to others ; and if God juclgeth according to his word, they may conclude that his children are never finally forsaken, nor will their enemies escape unpunished. There will be an accomplishment of pro- mises, and an execution of threatenings, which is a comfort to them that walk uprightly.
1. In. the general case, it is a relief to us ; for God hath a provident care over all those that desire to honour and glorify him ; their hopes will not altogether be frustrate. Keep his commandments, and it will turn to good. They shall have seasonable preservation according to God's promised and wonted mercies.
2. In the particular case of contests and conflicts with the wicked, he will punish enemies and reward the faithful. This is the tenor of the word. And to this word of God he ascribed his deliverance. Not this power, or this means, but thy judgments held me. God doth not deceive us with vain promises ; when matters are strangely carried on in the world, here is our comfort.
SERMON CXC.
i" have gone astray like a lost sheep : seek thy servant ; for I do not forget thy commandments. — Ver. 176.
These words are the close of the whole psalm. In them observe —
1. A representation of his case, or, if you will, a confession of his sin, I have gone astray like a lost sheep.
2. A petition for mercy, seek thy servant.
3. A protestation of obedience by way of argument, I do not forget thy precepts.
The chiefest matter that needs to be opened is the representation of his case, ' I have gone astray like a lost sheep.' Sheep are animalia grcgalia, such kind of creatures as naturally gather together and unite themselves into a flock. Many other creatures live single and apart ; they may sometimes sort together, yet are oftener severed and kept asunder : but the property of sheep, and their safety, is to come to- gether in a flock. But now, when they are out of the flock, then they are exposed to all manner of misery, and therefore a strayed sheep is usually put in scripture for misery and sin, Isa. liii. 6 ; Mat. xv. 24. Lost sheep are represented as those that are ready to perish. Now the business is whether this similitude here mentioned be to be interpreted of David's misery or his sin. Interpreters are divided, both ancient and modern. The similitude itself is applicable to either, and accord- ingly used in scripture. Sometimes it is put for sin : Isa. liii. 6, ' All we like sheep have gone astray.' Sheep are creatures very subject to stray and wander, especially if driven by wolves or dogs ; and sometimes by a disease, a sort of madness incident to them, follow not the rest of the flock : the Arabians call it tsunall — (Bochart). And so they would